7 Days Zhangjiajie Fanjingshan Tour: Avatar Mountains and Sky Temples

Welcome to Zhangjiajie City, an incredible destination where you can experience the reality of Hallelujah Mountain from the Movie Avatar! Upon your arrival in Zhangjiajie, the local guide and driver will meet you at the airport exit and accompany you to your hotel in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (35km, 1 hour drive). After checking in at the hotel, you will have some free time to explore the area at your leisure.

Arrival Ideas:

1. Transportations to Zhangjiajie: There are numerous flights connecting to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport. You have the option to fly to Zhangjiajie from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and more. Additionally, you can also take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie from Changsha (2-4 hours), Guilin (7 hours), Shanghai (9 hours), Beijing (11 hours), Fenghuang Ancient Town (1 hour) and other destinations.
2. Wulingyuan Scenic Area(武陵源景区), situated in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and World Geological Park. As the rare quartz sandstone peak forest canyon landform in the world, Wulingyuan is widely recognized as one of the top 10 tourist destinations in China. Wulingyuan consists of four parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve. Our trip will cover the most popular and iconic sections, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve.

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Wulingyuan to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which is approximately 56 km away and takes about 1.5 hours by car. There, you will have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Following that, enjoy a delicious lunch before proceeding to Baofeng Lake for a relaxing boat trip. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred back to Zhangjiajie city.

Well-known for its numerous waterfalls and fresh air in the valley, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is must-visit scenic spot in Zhangjiajie, especially for photographers and adventurers. The Glass Bridge is the highlight of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, as it is the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, stretching between two dramatic cliffs. It spans 375 meters in length and stands 300 meters high. Designed by Israeli Haim Dotan Architects, the bridge is capable of accommodating up to 800 people at a time. It is entirely made of glass, with no steel structure. In the middle of the bridge, there is a bungee jumping platform, which is the highest in the world. Here, you can experience the thrill of the highest bungee jump and fulfill your dream of flying like Spider-Man (bungee jump fees are self-pay). Exploring the Glass Bridge typically takes about 1 hour. People from around the world are excited to take on the challenge of walking on the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. While walking on the bridge, you can look down through the crystal-clear base, which hovers above a lush forest and a mist-filled canyon. Standing on the transparent glass feels like floating in the air, offering a superb panoramic view of the entire Grand Canyon. Come and take the sky-walk on the glass bridge to showcase your courage to the world!

After your “tremble” on the glass bridge, move to the mirror-like Baofeng Lake to restore your inner peace. From the entrance, you will take a shuttle bus to reach the pier. Then, take a wooden boat ride on Baofeng Lake, a crystal-clear alpine lake. Spanning 2.5 kilometers in length, 200-1000 meters in width, and with an average depth of 72 meters, Baofeng Lake is nestled in a basin amidst the surrounding mountains. It is adorned with lush green trees and unique rock formations, creating an idyllic atmosphere for relaxation. As you leisurely cruise on the boat, you will be captivated by the reflections of the magnificent peaks in the water and serenaded by traditional folk songs performed by the local minority people.

After the tour, return to Zhangjiajie City, which is approximately 35 kilometers away and takes about 1 hour by car, for an overnight stay.

Today, you will spend a half day tour on Tianmen Mountain in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, known as as the “Soul of Zhangjiajie” and the “No.1 Sacred Mountain of Western Hunan Province”. Located only 8 kilometers away from Zhangjiajie city center, the Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area is unique in that it is suitable for people of all ages, and climbing is not necessary. There is the world’s longest cable car, spanning 7,455 meters, which takes you directly to the mountaintop. Additionally, there is a small cableway available on the mountaintop. The only section that requires walking is the Tianmen Cave staircase, but don’t worry, there is also an elevator available. Then, head to Fenghuang Ancient Town in the afternoon.

First, take the 30-minute cable car (7,455 meters) ride from Zhangjiajie City to the top of Tianmen Mountain. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the winding mountain road with 99 bends (the Road to Heaven) and the breathtaking beauty of the bonsai gardens. Now, brace yourself for a thrilling challenge. Take a deep breath and step on the cliff path hanging on the mountainside. Walk along the Glass Walkway, a transparent glass path that stretches for 60 meters and hovers 1,430 meters above the bottomless valley, giving you a thrilling sensation of walking in the sky. Additionally, experience the 1.6-kilometer-long Cliff-Hanging Walkway, which is built along the edges of the mountain’s summits. It’s truly an amazing adventure! Next, you have the option to visit Tianmen Temple, a Buddhist structure that embodies the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912). It is surrounded by lush green forests, providing a serene atmosphere. And, you can also visit Yunmenxianding (云梦仙顶; 1,518m), the highest point in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.

Afterward, go down by escalator from the mountaintop to Tianmen Cave, the world’s highest natural mountain through cave which spans 131.5 meters. Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Gate Hole (天门洞), is frequently enveloped in swirling clouds and mist, and at other times, it is illuminated by ethereal rays of sunlight, resulting in a mesmerizing and ever-changing display of light and shadows. Take your time there to capture some beautiful photographs. Following that, you have the option to either walk down the 999 steps or take the elevator down. Then, welcome back to another cable car station. Take the cable car down the mountain.

After the Tianmen Mountain Tour, it is the time to move to Fenghuang Ancient Town, located about 3.5 hours (237km) away by car (There is high-speed train between Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang, it takes only 1 hour for single way).

The night view of Fenghuang Ancient Town is truly enchanting. As you stroll through the old courtyards and well-preserved wooden houses along the riverside, you will witness the vibrant atmosphere of the night market and bars. The dazzling lights create a magical ambiance, making it a truly wonderful experience.

It is your free time to explore Fenghuang Ancient Town this morning. When Fenghuang Ancient Town is mentioned, it is often associated with the famous Chinese writer and historian Shen Congwen (1902-1988), whose book “The Border Town 边城” brought fame to this small town worldwide. During your visit, you can leisurely explore the Former Residence of Shen Congwen, the Ancient East Gate, Hongqiao Bridge (the iconic landmark of Fenghuang), and more.

As one of the most beautiful towns in China, Fenghuang Ancient Town is home to various ethnic groups, primarily the Miao and Tujia peoples. It is renowned for its picturesque setting along the tranquil Tuo River, where traditional stilt houses (Diaojiaolou;吊脚楼) are tightly packed. Along the riverbanks, women can be seen washing clothes and cleaning rice and vegetables, while men fish using their nets. The preparation of food on the riverbank remains much the same as it has been for centuries. Taking a short 10-minute boat ride along the Tuo Jiang River is a delightful way to relax and immerse oneself in the surroundings.

After this, take a 2-hour drive to your carefully selected hotel in Jiangkou County, situated at the foot of Mount Fanjingshan.

Climbing Time: 4-5 Hours (Sightseeing Bus, Cable Car Included)

Route: Fanjingshan Sightseeing Bus – Cable Car – Mushroom Stone – Red Clouds Golden Summit – Chengen Temple – Cable Car – Sightseeing Bus – Return to Hotel

After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you from your hotel to the entrance of Fanjingshan. Today, you’ll spend entire day on this mountain. Breathe in that super fresh air, and head into the misty heights!

Fanjingshan (梵净山), a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site listed in 2018, is the No. 5 Buddhist Mountain in China and the sacred site of Maitreya Bodhisattva, its name meaning “Pure Land.” As a global green oasis, it preserves living fossils from the dinosaur era, such as the Dove tree (珙桐). This peculiar non-karst mountain rising from a karst sea has chilled for ages. You could even say hi to it if you traveled back 800-1000 million years.

First, you’ll take a 30-minute sightseeing bus up the mountain, followed by a 20-minute cable car ride. From above, glance up at the distant skyline, with ever-changing clouds occasionally engulfing the cable car.

After getting off cable car, you’ll begin hiking along winding Forest Hiking Road, reaching the landmark, Mushroom Stone (蘑菇石), in about 40 minutes. This is a natural wonder of Fanjingshan, a huge mushroom-shaped rock, rectangular on top and conical at the bottom, about ten meters high. It lists drunkenly but has stood on mountain for a billion years. Be sure to take a photo with this iconic symbol of Fanjingshan! (Optional: enjoy 10-minute to Old Summit Peak.)

Next, descend along stone steps, passing Pudu Square (普渡广场), and continue for about 1.5 hours towards the closely adjacent baguette-shaped Red Clouds Golden Summit (红云金顶). You’ll see a decisive crack firmly separating the middle of the Summit. This is Fanjingshan’s highlight and an important pilgrimage site for the Maitreya Bodhisattva’s sacred ground.

At an altitude of 2336 meters, two Buddhist temples (Sakyamuni Hall and Maitreya Hall) are built on the peaks on either side of the Red Clouds Golden Summit, connected by a stone bridge, symbolizing the transition from “reality” to the “future.”

While climbing, you’ll need to hold onto iron chains and carefully ascend narrow 85-degree steps. The initial section is very narrow, opening up to a stone path wide enough for one person before suddenly emerging from the clouds – congratulations, you’ve reached the summit! After reaching top, first pay homage to Sakyamuni Buddha to pray for present life, then cross stone bridge to Maitreya Buddha to pray for future. Standing by stone fence, look down at clouds zooming by mountainside, and soak up sun feeling good on your tired body.

Tip: Around sunrise, you can witness beautiful red clouds as sunlight pierces through the layers of mist.

After visiting the must-see spots, descend and return to Pudu Square to visit Chengen Temple (承恩寺). This Ming Dynasty Buddhist temple is a must-visit for Buddhist pilgrims, backing against the Red Clouds Golden Summit and facing endless mountains. After hiking challenge, chill out here.

After Fanjingshan hike tour, take cable car and sightseeing bus back down the same route. Your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in Jiangkou County. Have a good sleep!

Tips:

1. Due to crowds, avoid Fanjingshan on weekends and major Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, National Day, May Day).
2. Be careful on the narrow, single-foot trails to the Golden Summit.
3. Bring snacks like biscuits and bread for energy when hiking.

Today, you will be transferred to the Tongren airport/train station for your departure.

Extension Ideas:

If you wish to extend your Guizhou tour, consider exploring: Kaili (the capital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture), Huangguoshu Waterfall (Asia’s largest waterfall), Xiaoqikong Scenic Area (known as Earth’s Green Emerald Belt), or Guiyang (the vibrant capital of Guizhou Province). Please consult your travel advisor about your preferences.

Departure Information:

Fanjingshan is 78km from Tongren city. Tongren has an airport and two train stations that connect to major Chinese cities. You can fly to Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Xishuangbanna, and other destinations, or take high-speed trains to Guiyang, Chengdu, Kunming, Chongqing, Changsha, and beyond.

Thank you for choosing HelloChinaTrip for your Guizhou Tour. We are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!